Ratio and proportion word problems
The question
At the same rate, how many hours would it take to pack 140 boxes?
A factory can pack 120 boxes in 6 hours.
120 ÷ 6 = 20
120 ÷ 6 = 20
140 ÷ 20 = 7 hours
asked:At the same rate, how many hours would it take to pack 140 boxes?
7 hours
- Read it through. Two things change together at a fixed rate, so find the rate for one first.
- The rate for one: 120 ÷ 6 = 20.
- Now scale it up: 140 ÷ 20 = 7 hours.
- Answer the question that was asked — "At the same rate, how many hours would it take to pack 140 boxes?" — 7 hours.
How it works.
- 01
Read it through. Two things change together at a fixed rate, so find the rate for one first.
- 02
The rate for one: 120 ÷ 6 = 20.
- 03
Now scale it up: 140 ÷ 20 = 7 hours.
- 04
Answer the question that was asked — "At the same rate, how many hours would it take to pack 140 boxes?" — 7 hours.